Obituary of Walter I. Tabb

Walter (Butch) Ishmael Tabb was born on March 6, 1949 in Sylvania, Ohio. He was one of four sons born to Roy and Ellen (Frybarger) Tabb. As a young boy, Walter was nicknamed “Butch”. He was a graduate of Sylvania High School. Butch was blessed with a son, Matthew Tabb, and his late daughter, Shannon Tabb, and a step-daughter: Tami McGill. Butch met Brenda Nagy and after a short courtship the couple wed on July 12, 1985.

Butch had great interest in anything to do with trains. Working at the Norfolk Southern Railroad as an engineer was a natural fit. He put in many years of dedicated service before retiring in 2019. Butch loved working in the yard together with his wife. Butch often scrolled through news articles on his phone, keeping up with current events and politics. He enjoyed tuning in to history and astronomy television programs. Butch also had an interest in classic cars and dreamed of one day owning a GTO or Corvette.

Together, Butch and Brenda traveled from coast to coast across the United States. The pair had a great appreciation for natural wonders. They found adventure in National Parks including Yellowstone in Wyoming, Death Valley in California, and Badlands and Mount Rushmore in South Dakota, as well as the Rocky Mountains of Colorado, the Great Salt Lake in Utah, Key West Florida, and the James River in Virginia. Butch and Brenda also traveled to Michigan’s Upper Peninsula every Labor Day holiday and he traveled south every year to Kentucky to hunt deer and visit family. More than anything else, Butch and Brenda enjoyed spending time with their grandchildren. Although Butch could be stubborn as a mule, he had a great sense of humor. His gruff exterior couldn’t hide his heart of gold.

Butch Tabb, age 75, of Carleton passed away unexpectedly at his home on Friday; June 14, 2024. His passing was preceded by his parents: Roy Tabb Sr. and Ellen (Frybarger) Tabb; his daughter: Shannon Tabb; and two brothers: Michael Tabb and William Tabb.

To cherish his memory, he leaves his loving wife: Brenda Tabb; son: Matthew Tabb of Toledo, Ohio; step-daughter: Tami (Patrick) McGill of Farmington Hills, Michigan; four grandchildren: Chelsea Tabb, Gunner (Ashley) Tabb, and twins Mason and Kenzie McGill; his brother: Roy (Darlene) Tabb Jr.; and many nieces and nephews. Also, close friend and co-worker: Nick Greficz, whom Butch and Brenda had a great appreciation and affection for. Butch also had two canine companions: “Eli” a Cavachon who was always at Butch’s side and “Molly”, a Shih Tzu who loved to chew on him and show Butch and Eli who was boss.

Friends may gather on Wednesday; June 19, 2024, from 1:00pm until 6:00pm at Merkle Funeral Service, North Monroe; 2442 North Monroe Street, Monroe, Michigan 48162 (734) 384-5185. A Celebration of Walter’s Life will be held at 11:00am on Thursday; June 20, 2024, also at Merkle’s followed by a procession to Roselawn Memorial Park in LaSalle for burial.

Butch’s wife, Brenda, wishes to express her deepest gratitude to everyone who has reached out at this difficult time. Online guests may leave words of inspiration and comfort or share a photo by visiting www.merklefs.com.